On 30 Jan 2020, a PIPER PA28 180 operated by Apflight Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Naples, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with sign. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing, a slight bounce led to a left drift. Overcorrection with rudder caused nose wheel to angle right on touchdown, resulting in runway excursion and right wing striking a taxiway sign.
Incident Details
A pilot reported a landing incident involving a "slight bounce" after touchdown. The airplane became airborne again and drifted left of the runway centerline. In response, the pilot overcorrected to the right using the rudder. When the airplane touched down a second time, the nose wheel was angled to the right. The airplane subsequently exited the runway onto adjacent grass, where the right wing impacted a taxiway sign.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation